"Do you like money?"
Kakuzu ignored Hyouzou's forced attempt to save face and got straight to the point.
"Money?"
"Are you an idiot?"
"In this world, aside from your life, money is the most important thing!"
"Though sometimes, money can buy you your life back—or even strength."
After saying that, Hyouzou did not wait for the owner to bring the drinks. He grabbed the half-bottle of sake in front of Kakuzu and took a huge swig, his face immediately flushing slightly.
"Oh?"
Kakuzu's eyes lit up at those words.
No wonder he did not find the man unpleasant. They were kindred spirits.
"Then this will be easy."
"You're fairly capable, and you're a swordsman who can hold the front line."
"Partner with me as a bounty hunter."
"Hmm—"
Hyouzou raised a brow. After pondering for several seconds, he shook his head and refused. "I've already taken Arlong's pay."
"How much is he paying you, and for how long?"
"Five thousand Beli a month. He didn't mention a time limit. Anyway, I just follow him as a member of the Fish-Man Adventurer Group. He covers my food and drinks too. I think it's pretty good, and we're both from Fish-Man District, so there's a bond between us..."
Hyouzou took the bottle handed over by the owner and muttered as he drank.
"I'll give you ten thousand a month. You'll also get twenty percent of any bounty we collect."
Kakuzu quickly weighed the pros and cons in his mind, along with Hyouzou's current and future value, before offering what he considered an appropriate price.
Hyouzou's Swordsmanship was decent, and he still had room to improve.
As a Fish-Man, he was extremely capable underwater, which was a major advantage on Sea Star.
At critical moments, he could play an important role.
He had